Export consignments put on withhold by foreign brands have created a financial crunch in the ready-made garment sector of Bangladesh resulting in the inability of apparel producers to clear the dues of their workers.
Simmering tension among the workers and the owners ultimately forces the workers of a factory to agitate in the streets. Workers of New Line Clothing Factory blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway on Tuesday morning to record their protest against the non-payment of their dues. The blockade disrupted the traffic movement.
When police tried to remove blockades the workers clashed with the police.
Police allege that workers pelted bricks and stones at law enforcement agencies. The police resorted to baton charges and lobbed tear gas shells at the protestors.
According to the protesting workers, 10 of their colleagues were hurt during the clash including a shop owner, and were treated at a local hospital. The workers said that they have not been paid wages by the garment manufacturer for the last three months while the office staff has not been paid salary for the last five months.
Many garment manufacturers have not cleared the dues of their workers for two to three months.
Law enforcers expect more agitations if the dues are not cleared.
In charge of the Mouchak outpost, Shahidur said the situation is under control now as the workers left the highway and took their protest in front of the factory. The police however are patrolling the industrial area.
